Holster having a rotatable lockout element

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/201,552, filed Jul. 4, 2016, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/229,944, filed Mar. 30, 2014, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/508,759, filed May 9, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,755, International Application Serial No. PCT/US2010/002935, filed Nov. 9, 2010, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/335,856, filed Jan. 13, 2010, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/280,829, filed Nov. 9, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

0002Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

0003Not Applicable.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

0004The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwise noted, the applicant owns all trademarks and service marks identified herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

00051. Field of the Present Disclosure

0006The present disclosure relates generally to handgun holsters. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a handgun holster having a lockable retention system.

00072. Description of Related Art

0008Many users of handguns, particularly military and law enforcement personnel, carry a handgun in a holster designed to protect the handgun and hold it securely. Holsters can be worn in a number of ways, such as on a belt at the waist, on the thigh, under an arm, or around an ankle.

0009Certain users of handguns must be able to quickly and easily remove the handgun from a holster regardless of the type of holster used. Additionally, these users need to be assured that, when not in use, the handgun will remain safely in the holster.

0010Some holsters rely solely on friction to secure the handgun in place. This combination might not be suitable for situations where the gun/holster is subject to a great deal of movement because such movement could cause the handgun to lose frictional engagement with the holster.

0011Certain other holsters include a variety of strap or flap arrangements that prevent the removal of the firearm from the holster while the strap or flap is in place. With designs that rely on this method to retain a handgun, a user must first unfasten and/or rotate the strap/flap before the firearm can be withdrawn. Then, to re-secure the handgun in the holster once the handgun has been re-holstered, the user must physically refasten and/or rotate the strap/flap before the firearm is securely retained within the holster. Some users might not prefer these designs because of the time required to release and/or re-secure the handgun.

0012Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or the like, which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

0013The present disclosure relates generally to handgun holsters. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a holster for a weapon, such as, for example, a handgun, having a retention system for securing a handgun such that the handgun is retained or locked in the holster when the retention system is engaged, but may be easily removed from the holster by the wearer while removal by anyone other than the wearer is difficult.

0014In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the handgun holster comprises a handgun holster having a retention system. The retention system comprises a lever having an engagement portion and a finger button portion, the engagement portion includes a locking projection for engaging an interior portion of the trigger guard of the handgun in the holster and, thereby, retaining the handgun in the holster.

0015The construction of the holster prevents the locking projection from contacting the trigger of the handgun by limiting how far the handgun can be inserted into the holster. The construction of the holster further facilitates alignment of the trigger guard with the locking projection by limiting movement of the handgun with respect to the lever.

0016The lever is positioned on the holster such that, when a user depresses the appropriate portion of the lever, thereby releasing the handgun from the holster, and draws the handgun from the holster, the user's index finger is positioned to contact the frame of the handgun, above the trigger guard.

0017In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a biasing element is optionally included. If included, the biasing element contacts a front portion of the handgun's trigger guard and is spring-biased when the handgun is retained, or locked, in the holster. The biasing element biases the handgun out of the holster and assists in maintaining contact between the locking projection and the trigger guard. Furthermore, the biasing element may assist in removal of the handgun from the holster when the locking projection is disengaged from the trigger guard.

0018In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the holster includes an at least partial cavity having an open top end, a bottom end, a frame/slide portion, and a trigger guard portion. The frame/slide portion of the at least partial cavity has greater depth than the trigger guard portion of the at least partial cavity. An axis extends between the frame/slide portion of the at least partial cavity and the trigger guard portion of the at least partial cavity.

0019A lever having a finger button portion and an engagement portion is pivotally attached atop the side wall of the holster, along the axis, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion, such that the finger button portion extends from the axis and is positioned above the frame/slide portion of the at least partial cavity and the engagement portion extends from the axis and is positioned above the trigger guard portion of the at least partial cavity.

0020The lever includes a second side facing generally toward the holster cavity, and the engagement portion of the lever includes a locking projection extending from the second side of the engagement portion; wherein the lever.

0021In certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the holster further includes at least one ridge segment extending from the side wall around at least a portion of the lever so as to define a recess. The lever is positioned within the recess and an aperture formed in a portion of the side wall beneath at least a portion of the finger button portion of the lever, wherein the aperture is formed within the recess.

0022Thus, the present disclosure automatically locks the handgun in place in the holster with a releasable mechanism that is easily operated by a wearer of the holster. However, the present mechanism is not easily accidentally disengaged or disengaged by anyone other than the wearer.

0023In various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, the holster of the present disclosure comprises an at least partial cavity; a lever having a finger button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the engagement portion, and wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion; and a lockout element rotatably attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster such that the lockout element is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein at least a portion of a locking portion of the lockout element is positioned above at least a portion of the engagement portion of the lever when the lockout element is in the locked position.

0024In certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, the holster of the present disclosure further comprises a hollow formed within a portion of the side wall, wherein the lockout element is rotatably secured within at least a portion of the hollow.

0025In certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, the lockout element is a keyed lockout element. Optionally, the lockout element includes at least one key slot that is capable of interacting with one or more mating portions of a key, such that rotation of the lockout element can be accomplished by interaction of the one or more mating portions of a key and the at least one key slot.

0026In various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, the holster of the present disclosure comprises an at least partial cavity having a frame/slide portion, and a trigger guard portion; a lever having a finger button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a second side facing generally toward the at least partial cavity, wherein the engagement portion of the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the second side of the engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion, and wherein the lever is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; at least one ridge segment extending from at least a portion of a side wall of the holster, around at least a portion of the lever so as to define a recess, wherein at least a portion of the engagement portion of the lever is positioned within at least a portion of the recess; and a lockout element rotatably attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster such that the lockout element is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein at least a portion of a locking portion of the lockout element is positioned above at least a portion of the engagement portion of the lever when the lockout element is in the locked position.

0027In various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, the holster of the present disclosure comprises an at least partial cavity; a lever having a finger button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a locking projection extending from at least a portion of the engagement portion, wherein the lever is pivotally attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion, and wherein the lever is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a lockout element rotatably attached or coupled to at least a portion of the holster such that the lockout element is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein at least a portion of a locking portion of the lockout element limits movement of the lever between the engaged position and the disengaged position when the lockout element is in the locked position, and wherein at least a portion of the lockout element is positioned above at least a portion of the engagement portion of the lever when the lockout element is in the locked position.

0028Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a handgun holster, having a retention system.

0029The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a safe and reliable quick-release handgun holster.

0030The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a handgun holster having a retention system, which is capable of retaining a handgun securely in the holster while permitting a quick release of the handgun when the user requires.

0031The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a handgun holster having a retention system, which is simple to operate.

0032The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a handgun holster having a retention system, which automatically secures the handgun in the holster upon seating of the handgun in the holster, without requiring any additional operation by the user.

0033The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a handgun holster and a retention system that assists the user in positioning his or her index finger along the frame of the handgun, outside of and not on the trigger guard, as the handgun is drawn from the holster.

0034The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a handgun holster having an optional passive retention system, which can be tightened to provide increased frictional tension between a portion of the holster and the handgun trigger guard without increasing the frictional tension between a remaining portion of the holster and the handgun.

0035The present disclosure separately and optionally provides a handgun holster, which is capable of being manufactured using injection molding production techniques.

0036These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying figures. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in concert with the figures. While features of the present disclosure may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used with the various embodiments of the present disclosure discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.

0037Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s) of the present disclosure or the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0038As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of the present disclosure. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present disclosure.

0039The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a right perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a left perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a right side elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a left side elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a front elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a rear elevation view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a top cross-sectional view taken along line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b> of the handgun holster of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the retention system according to the present disclosure in greater detail;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a bottom plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> shows a more detailed right side view of the handgun holster further illustrating the retention system according to the present disclosure;

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> shows a more detailed cross-sectional view taken along line <b>9</b>-<b>9</b> of the handgun holster of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the retention system according to the present disclosure in greater detail;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> shows a right perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref> shows a left perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> shows a right side elevation view of a third exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> shows a left side elevation view of a third exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system according to the present disclosure;

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein the lockout lever is in a locked position according to the present disclosure;

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein the lockout lever is in an unlocked position according to the present disclosure;

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> show more detailed views of the front side of the lockout lever according to the present disclosure;

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> show more detailed views of the back side of the lockout lever according to the present disclosure;

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that may be used with a lockout lever, wherein the lockout lever is removed to show an area under the lockout lever;

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system, showing a locking slider in a locked position according to the present disclosure;

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15B</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system, showing the locking slider in an unlocked position according to the present disclosure;

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16A</figref> shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the retention system of the exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system and a locking slider, showing the locking slider in a locked position according to the present disclosure;

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16B</figref> shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the retention system of the exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system and a locking slider, showing the locking slider in an unlocked position according to the present disclosure;

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a rear elevation view of an exemplary handgun holster having a retention system and a locking slider, showing a locking slider in a locked position according to the present disclosure;

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein the lockout lever is in a locked position according to the present disclosure;

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that includes a lockout lever, wherein the lockout lever is in an unlocked position according to the present disclosure;

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout element in a retention system lockout position;

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout element in a retention system lockout position;

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout band in a retention system lockout position;

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> shows a top, cut-away view of an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout band in a retention system lockout position;

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system with a lockout band in a retention system lockout position;

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that includes a rotatable lockout element, wherein the rotatable lockout element is in a locked position according to the present disclosure; and

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster having a retention system that includes a rotatable lockout element, wherein the rotatable lockout element is in an unlocked position according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

0073For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operating principles of the handgun holster according to the present disclosure are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of a handgun holster according to the present disclosure. The basic explanation of the design factors and operating principles of the handgun holster is applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the handgun holster of the present disclosure.

0074As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense (i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

0075The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

0076Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to a semiautomatic-type handgun being secured within the present holster. However, it should be appreciated that the operating principles of the handgun holster of the present disclosure may also be employed to construct holsters or holders for any revolver or semiautomatic-type handgun, edged weapons as well as less than lethal products (i.e., tasers, pepper spray, mace canisters, or batons), so long as these items have an appropriate ledge or void that may be engaged or retained by a locking projection or other retaining means. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the present holster may be employed as a pouch for tactical accessories, such as ammunition magazines and/or flashlights, as well as for everyday items such as cell phones or personal digital assistants.

0077It should also be appreciated that the terms “handgun”, “handgun holster”, and “weapon” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms “handgun”, “handgun holster”, and “weapon” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure.

0078Throughout this application the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used. It will be understood that these terms are meant to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer, step, or group of elements, integers, or steps.

0079Turning now to the drawing Figs., <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9B</figref> show various views of a first, illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of a handgun holster <b>100</b> having a retention system according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the holster <b>100</b> is adapted to retain a semiautomatic-type handgun. The semiautomatic-type handgun includes a slide, a grip, a trigger, and a trigger guard. The trigger guard includes an inner surface, which defines an area wherein the trigger is located and allows a user's finger access to the trigger, and an outer surface, which defines the outer perimeter of the trigger guard.

0080As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9B</figref>, the holster <b>100</b> includes a body <b>103</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>105</b> for receiving and holding the handgun. The body <b>103</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>110</b> and a second side wall <b>120</b>. Typically, the first side wall <b>110</b> is considered the outer side of the holster and is worn away from the user's body, while the second side wall <b>120</b> is considered the inner side of the holster and is worn against or adjacent the user's body.

0081In various exemplary embodiments, the body <b>103</b> further comprises at least some of a front wall <b>130</b> and a rear wall <b>140</b>. However, it should be appreciated that the holster <b>100</b> may be formed such that one or more of the first side wall <b>110</b>, the second side wall <b>120</b>, the front wall <b>130</b>, and/or the rear wall <b>140</b> is/are sufficient to define the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> for receiving the handgun and the remaining walls are not included.

0082The at least partial cavity <b>105</b> includes an open top end <b>101</b> and a bottom end <b>102</b> and may be formed from any number or combination of walls, including, for example, a single, continuous wall or multiple coupled or joined walls. Alternatively, the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> may be formed by a material being shaped or bent in a substantial “U” shape. Thus, the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> may be formed by any cavity, space, or platform that is capable of retaining a handgun.

0083As identified in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, an axis A extends generally from the top end <b>101</b> to the bottom end <b>102</b>, between a frame/slide portion <b>109</b> of the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> and a trigger guard portion <b>107</b> of the at least partial cavity <b>105</b>. The frame/slide portion <b>107</b> of the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> generally has greater depth than the trigger guard portion <b>109</b> of the at least partial cavity <b>105</b>.

0084It should be noted that the walls of the holster <b>100</b> may generally be planar. Alternatively, the walls of the holster <b>100</b> may be contoured or shaped to better accommodate a specific type or model of handgun to be retained within the holster <b>100</b>.

0085In various exemplary embodiments, the holster <b>100</b> is substantially rigid and is formed of a polymeric material such as a polymeric composite. Alternate materials of construction may include one or more of the following: steel, aluminum, titanium, and/or other metals, as well as various alloys and composites thereof, glass-hardened polymers, polymer or fiber reinforced metals, carbon fiber or glass fiber composites, continuous fibers in combination with thermoset and thermoplastic resins, chopped glass or carbon fibers used for injection molding compounds, laminate glass or carbon fiber, epoxy laminates, woven glass fiber laminates, impregnate fibers, polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyimide resins, cyanate resins, high-strength plastics, nylon, glass, or polymer fiber reinforced plastics, thermoform and/or thermoset sheet materials, or the like, and/or various combinations of the foregoing.

0086In various exemplary embodiments, at least certain components of the holster <b>100</b> may be formed of any known or later developed, substantially flexible material(s) such as a polymeric material, leather, foam, foam laminates, natural and man-made (synthetic) fabrics, natural and man-made (synthetic) fabric laminates, moldable honeycomb materials, or the like, and/or various combinations of the foregoing.

0087Thus, it should be understood that the material or materials used to form the holster <b>100</b> and/or various components of the holster <b>100</b> is a design choice based on the desired appearance and functionality of the holster <b>100</b>.

0088In various exemplary embodiments, the holster <b>100</b> includes attachment points <b>170</b>, which provide means for fastening the holster to a holster holding device such as the holster holding device <b>175</b> illustrated in phantom in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>. Alternatively, the means for fastening the holster may comprise a clip or hook adapted to be clipped over, for example, a belt. In further exemplary embodiments, means for fastening the holster may comprise one or more quick-disconnect or other couplings may be provided on or adjacent the second side wall <b>120</b> of the holster <b>100</b>, which may be permanently or removably coupled to corresponding and cooperating coupling(s) provided on a belt or other carrier or platform. In still other exemplary embodiments, the holster <b>100</b> may comprise an integral belt, or may comprise one or more connections for attachment to a chest, ankle, leg, shoulder, or other harness or band, or for otherwise securing the holster to a user or the user's apparel.

0089In various exemplary embodiments, one or both of the side walls include optional slots <b>180</b> and <b>182</b>, which define a passive retention portion <b>184</b>. Although not shown in the present figures, the inner surface of the passive retention portion <b>184</b> may optionally include a raised area, which provides for additional frictional engagement of the trigger guard of the handgun. One or more retention screws <b>186</b> may be tightened or loosened to adjust the degree of frictional retention of the handgun by the passive retention portion <b>184</b>.

0090The passive retention portion <b>184</b>, if included, may be adjusted, via the one or more retention screws <b>186</b>, to provide an adjustable frictional tension between the passive retention portion <b>184</b> and the handgun trigger guard, without increasing the frictional tension between a remaining portion of the holster <b>100</b> and the handgun.

0091As further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9B</figref>, the holster <b>100</b> comprises a retention means that is capable of retaining a handgun securely in the holster <b>100</b> by restricting withdrawal of the handgun from the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> of the holster <b>100</b> while permitting a quick release of the handgun when the user requires. The retention means comprises a lever <b>150</b>, having a first side facing generally outward from the holster <b>100</b>, away from the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> formed by the holster <b>100</b>, and a second side facing toward the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> formed by the holster <b>100</b>. The lever <b>150</b> comprises at least some of a finger button portion <b>151</b> and an engagement portion <b>155</b>.

0092In various exemplary embodiments, the first side of the finger button portion <b>151</b> includes a textured portion (not shown). In this manner, the finger button portion <b>151</b> may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the lever <b>150</b> or the holster <b>100</b>.

0093In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, lever <b>150</b> is pivotally connected to the first side wall <b>110</b>, approximately between the finger button portion <b>151</b> and the engagement portion <b>155</b>, via a fulcrum or pivot pin <b>160</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, the pivot pin <b>160</b> is positioned substantially parallel to a vertical axis of the holster <b>100</b>, substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the holster <b>100</b>, at a substantially acute angle relative to a vertical axis of the holster <b>100</b>, or at a substantially obtuse angle relative to a vertical axis of the holster <b>100</b>. Thus, the pivot pin <b>160</b> may be positioned at any angle relative to a vertical axis of the holster <b>100</b>.

0094The pivot pin <b>160</b> may extend all or part of the way across the width of the lever <b>150</b>.

0095In various exemplary embodiments, the lever <b>150</b> may include a first and a second protrusion extending from the lever <b>150</b>. Corresponding first and second indentions, indentations, notches, grooves, or dimples may be formed in the first side wall <b>110</b>. In these exemplary embodiments, the first and second protrusions are formed so as to operate in cooperating relationship with the first and second dimples such that the lever <b>150</b> may be pivotally attached, via the first and second protrusions and the first and second dimples, to the first side wall <b>110</b> approximately between a finger button portion <b>151</b> and the engagement portion <b>155</b>. Thus, the pivot pin <b>160</b> is replaced by the first and second protrusions.

0096Alternatively, the lever <b>150</b> may include first and second dimples while the first sidewall <b>110</b> includes first and second protrusions. In these exemplary embodiments, the first and second dimples are formed so as to operate in cooperating relationship with the first and second protrusions such that the lever <b>150</b> may be pivotably attached, via the first and second dimples and the first and second protrusions, to the first side wall <b>110</b> approximately between the finger button portion <b>151</b> and the engagement portion <b>155</b>.

0097The lever <b>150</b> is pivotable between an engaged position for securing the handgun within the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> of the holster <b>100</b> and a disengaged position for removal of the handgun. In various exemplary embodiments, the lever <b>150</b> may pivot between the engaged position and the disengaged position. Alternatively, the lever <b>150</b> may be pivotably positioned and/or retained between either the engaged position or the disengaged position.

0098In various exemplary embodiments, the lever <b>150</b> may be biased to an engaged position whether the handgun is present in the holster <b>100</b> or absent from the holster <b>100</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, biasing of the lever <b>150</b> may be accomplished by, for example, a spring means <b>165</b>.

0099It should be appreciated that any suitable biasing means, element, or mechanism may be used to form the spring means <b>165</b>. For example, in various illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, the spring means <b>165</b> may comprise a portion of spring steel, a helical spring, a compression coil spring, a cylindrical coil spring, a conical coil spring, a tension coil spring, a leaf spring, a V-spring, a cantilever spring, a spring washer, a flexible extension of the lever <b>150</b> or the first side wall <b>110</b>, a stretched or tensioned material, such as, for example, a rubber band, or any other element, material, or mechanism usable to bias the lever <b>150</b>.

0100It should be understood that the overall size, shape, and thickness of the spring means <b>165</b> will vary depending on the type and rigidity of the particular material used to form the spring means <b>165</b>.

0101The engagement portion <b>155</b> of the lever <b>150</b> includes a locking projection <b>156</b>, formed on the second side of the engagement portion <b>155</b>. In certain exemplary embodiments, the locking projection <b>156</b> optionally extends substantially perpendicularly from the second side of the engagement and <b>155</b>.

0102In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the locking projection <b>156</b> includes a ramp surface <b>157</b> and is shaped generally to match the contour of a portion of the inner surface of the trigger guard. Alternatively, the locking projection <b>156</b> may terminate in a radiused or not radiused manner. Particularly if the trigger guard of the handgun that is to be carried within the holster <b>100</b> is itself radiused, the ramp surface <b>157</b> may not be included.

0103Regardless of the particular handgun used, the locking projection <b>156</b> should be shaped so that there is no possibility that the locking projection <b>156</b> can at any time contact the trigger of the handgun. When the handgun is pushed as far forward as possible into the holster <b>100</b> and the trigger guard has come to rest against the trigger guard support wall <b>145</b>, there should be a space between the locking projection <b>156</b> and the trigger of the handgun.

0104When the lever <b>150</b> is in the engaged position, the locking projection <b>156</b> protrudes from the second side of the engagement portion <b>155</b>, into the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> formed in the holster <b>100</b>, via an opening <b>115</b> in the first side wall <b>110</b>. In this manner, the locking projection <b>156</b> may extend inside the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> and inside the trigger guard of a handgun that is placed into the holster <b>100</b> and, thereby, retain the handgun in the holster <b>100</b>.

0105In various exemplary embodiments, the locking projection <b>156</b> protrudes into the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> for a distance that is less than the width of the trigger guard. Alternatively, the locking projection <b>156</b> may protrude into the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> for a distance that is equal to or greater than the width of the trigger guard.

0106In addition, when the lever <b>150</b> is in the engaged position and is retaining a handgun in place, the clearance between the locking projection <b>156</b> and the trigger guard support wall <b>145</b> should be such that there is room for the slight arc or plunger-type movement of the locking projection <b>156</b> when the finger button portion <b>151</b> is depressed.

0107Thus, the retention means is automatically disengaged as the outer surface of the handgun's trigger guard contacts the locking projection <b>156</b> and is subsequently engaged when the inner surface of the trigger guard has passed the locking projection <b>156</b> and the handgun is appropriately retained in the holster <b>100</b>.

0108As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref>, the holster <b>100</b> can be divided, along an axis that extends from the pivot pin <b>160</b>, along the first side wall <b>110</b> of the holster <b>100</b>, into a frame/slide portion and a trigger guard portion. The frame/slide portion is contoured to accept at least a portion of a frame/slide of a handgun and the trigger guard portion is contoured to accept at least a portion of a trigger guard of a handgun. Thus, it can be seen that the finger button portion <b>151</b> extends into the frame/slide portion of the holster and the engagement portion <b>155</b> extends into the trigger guard portion of the holster <b>100</b>.

0109As at least a portion of each holster <b>100</b> is formed to accommodate and securely retain a specific type of handgun. The construction of the holster <b>100</b> also prevents the locking projection <b>156</b> from contacting the trigger of the inserted handgun by limiting how far the handgun can be inserted into the holster <b>100</b>.

0110In various exemplary embodiments, a trigger guard support wall <b>145</b> is generally formed by a portion of the body of the holster <b>100</b>. The trigger guard support wall <b>145</b> is shaped generally to match the contours of at least a portion of the outer surface of the trigger guard. The trigger guard support wall <b>145</b> is formed so as to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the trigger guard of the inserted handgun and further limit how far the handgun can be inserted into the holster <b>100</b>.

0111The construction of the holster <b>100</b> further facilitates alignment of the trigger guard with the locking projection <b>156</b> by limiting lateral movement of the handgun with respect to the lever <b>150</b> and the locking projection <b>156</b> without preventing a user from easily holstering or drawing the handgun.

0112In various exemplary embodiments, an optional ridge <b>118</b> is formed in the first side wall <b>110</b> around at least a portion of the lever <b>150</b>. Generally, the ridge does not contact the lever <b>150</b>, but provides a perimeter around at least a portion of the lever <b>150</b> to reduce the likelihood that the lever <b>150</b> will be inadvertently manipulated and to aid in the proper placement of a user's finger on the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b>. The ridge <b>118</b> may include a textured portion (not shown), such that the ridge <b>118</b> may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the holster <b>100</b> or the lever <b>150</b>. The ridge <b>118</b> may include a gap or valley formed so as to accommodate a user's finger if the finger would extend beyond the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b>.

0113In various exemplary embodiments, the optional ridge <b>118</b> is comprised of at least one ridge segment <b>118</b> and/or <b>119</b> that are formed around at least a portion of the lever <b>150</b>.

0114In various exemplary embodiments, a recess <b>117</b> is defined within the optional ridge <b>118</b> or ridge segments <b>118</b> and/or <b>119</b>.

0115Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9B</figref> show the lever <b>150</b> connected to the first side wall <b>110</b>, it should be appreciated that in various exemplary embodiments, the lever <b>150</b> may be connected to the second side wall <b>120</b>.

0116In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a biasing element <b>190</b> is optionally included. If included, the biasing element <b>190</b> extends towards the locking projection <b>156</b>, covering substantially the entire distance between the trigger guard support wall <b>145</b> and the locking projection <b>156</b>. In various exemplary embodiments, the biasing element <b>190</b> does not touch the locking projection <b>156</b>.

0117It should be appreciated that any suitable spring mechanism may be used to form the biasing element <b>190</b>. The overall size, shape, and thickness of the biasing element <b>190</b> will vary depending on the type and rigidity of the particular material used to form the biasing element <b>190</b>.

0118The biasing element <b>190</b> is configured to contact the outer surface of the trigger guard and is spring-biased (as shown in phantom by <b>190</b>′) when the handgun is retained, or locked, in the holster. In a compressed position, the tension of the biasing element <b>190</b> biases the handgun outward and assists in maintaining contact between the locking projection <b>156</b> and the inner surface of the trigger guard.

0119Furthermore, the biasing element <b>190</b> may assist in removal of the handgun from the holster when the locking projection is disengaged from the trigger guard.

0120The biasing element <b>190</b> may be configured in a number of ways, and may be attached to the holster <b>100</b> by any suitable method. In one exemplary embodiment, the biasing element <b>190</b> is molded as an integral part of the holster <b>100</b>.

0121An aperture <b>116</b> is formed in a portion of the first side wall <b>110</b>, within the recess <b>117</b>, beneath at least a portion of the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b>. Among other things, the aperture <b>116</b> allows dirt and/or debris that may find its way under the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b> to be pushed into the at least partial cavity <b>105</b>. In this manner, dirt and/or debris is not permitted to build up underneath the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b> and keep the finger button portion <b>151</b> from being depressed by a user.

0122During use of the holster <b>100</b> having a retention system, as a user begins to holster the handgun, the handgun is inserted into the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> of the holster, muzzle first, and is guided into position by at least some of the first side wall <b>110</b>, the second side wall <b>120</b>, the front wall <b>130</b>, and the rear wall <b>140</b>.

0123As the handgun is inserted further into the at least partial cavity <b>105</b>, the outer surface of the trigger guard will contact the ramp surface <b>157</b> of the locking projection <b>156</b>. The shape of the ramp surface <b>157</b> allows the locking projection <b>156</b> to ride along the surface of the trigger guard and displace the locking projection <b>156</b> of the lever <b>150</b>. As the locking projection <b>156</b> rides along the surface of the trigger guard, the bias of the lever <b>150</b> is overcome and the lever <b>150</b> is pivoted towards the disengaged position and the handgun is permitted to be seated in the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> of the holster. The trigger guard is prevented from moving in a direction opposite the locking projection <b>156</b> by the position of the first side wall <b>110</b> and the second side wall <b>120</b>.

0124As the handgun is further seated into the holster, the trigger guard continues to displace the locking projection <b>156</b> and the lever <b>150</b> continues to pivot until the trigger guard passes a point of contact with a farthest extent of the locking projection <b>156</b> and clears the locking projection <b>156</b>. When the trigger guard passes the locking projection <b>156</b>, the lever <b>150</b> may be biased, via the spring means <b>165</b>, to pivot back to the engaged position.

0125Thus, the handgun is secured in the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> of the holster by operation of the locking projection <b>156</b> blocking removal of the handgun, via the inner surface of the trigger guard. While the handgun is fully seated in the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> of the holster <b>100</b> with the lever <b>150</b> biased to the engaged position, removal of the handgun is not permitted, as the locking projection <b>156</b> does not allow the trigger guard to pass by. When the handgun is secured in place, removal force applied to the handgun will not remove the handgun from the holster <b>100</b> unless the finger button portion <b>151</b> is pivoted and the locking projection <b>156</b> is brought out of the way of the inner surface of the trigger guard.

0126In order to release and unholster the handgun, the user depresses the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b>, pivoting the finger button portion <b>151</b> towards the at least partial cavity <b>105</b>. At some point, the first side wall <b>110</b> will stop the inward movement of the finger button portion <b>151</b>, thus eliminating the possibility that the finger button portion <b>151</b> can prevent the removal of the handgun by contacting the trigger or constricting the trigger guard.

0127As the finger button portion <b>151</b> of the lever <b>150</b> is depressed, the bias of the lever <b>150</b> is overcome, the lever <b>150</b> is pivoted towards the disengaged position, and the locking projection <b>156</b> of the engagement portion <b>155</b> is at least partially withdrawn from the opening <b>115</b> and out of the holster cavity <b>105</b>.

0128When the finger button portion <b>151</b> has been depressed sufficiently, such that the locking projection <b>156</b> of the engagement portion <b>155</b> is sufficiently withdrawn from the holster cavity <b>105</b>, such that the locking projection <b>156</b> clears the inner surface of the trigger guard, the handgun's trigger guard will no longer be blocked by the locking projection <b>156</b>, and the handgun can be withdrawn from the holster <b>100</b>.

0129In various exemplary embodiments wherein the first side wall <b>110</b> is worn away from the user's body and the second side wall <b>120</b> is worn adjacent the user's body, the finger button portion <b>151</b> may be positioned such that, as the finger button portion <b>151</b> is depressed, the user's index finger is positioned along the frame of the handgun, between the trigger guard and the slide. Therefore, as the handgun is withdrawn from the holster <b>100</b> the user's index finger is positioned to contact the frame of the handgun, above the trigger guard, and not the trigger guard or the trigger.

0130The holster <b>100</b>, as shown and described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9B</figref>, is oriented such that the first side wall <b>110</b> is worn away from the user's body and the second side wall <b>120</b> is worn adjacent the user's body, such that the lever <b>150</b> is generally accessible by the user's index finger. However, in various other exemplary embodiments, the first side wall <b>110</b> is oriented to be worn adjacent the user's body and the second side wall <b>120</b> is oriented to be worn away from the user's body. In these exemplary embodiments, the lever <b>150</b> is generally accessible by the user's thumb.

0131<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref> show a right perspective view and a left perspective view, respectively, of a second exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>200</b> having a retention system according to the present disclosure. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>, the handgun holster <b>200</b> includes a body <b>203</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>205</b> for receiving and holding the handgun. The body <b>203</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>210</b>, an optional ridge <b>218</b> and/or ridge segments <b>218</b> and/or <b>219</b>, a second side wall <b>220</b>, a front wall <b>230</b>, and a rear wall <b>240</b>. The handgun holster <b>200</b> further comprises attachment points <b>270</b>, optional slots <b>284</b> and <b>282</b>, a passive retention screw <b>286</b>, and a retention means comprising a lever <b>250</b>.

0132It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the body <b>103</b>, the at least partial cavity <b>105</b>, the first side wall <b>110</b>, the optional ridge <b>118</b> and/or ridge segments <b>118</b> and/or <b>119</b>, the second side wall <b>120</b>, the front wall <b>130</b>, the rear wall <b>140</b>, the attachment points <b>170</b>, the optional slots <b>180</b> and <b>182</b>, the passive retention screw <b>186</b>, the retention means, and the lever <b>150</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9B</figref>.

0133However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10A and 10B</figref>, the first side wall <b>210</b>, the second side wall <b>220</b>, and the front wall <b>230</b> of the handgun holster are extended, as compared to the holster <b>100</b>.

0134The extended first side wall <b>210</b>, second side wall <b>220</b>, and front wall <b>230</b> perform at least three functions. First, the extended walls more fully surround and protect the handgun when the handgun is secured in the holster <b>200</b>. Second, the extended walls serve to help better guide a handgun into the holster <b>200</b>. Third, the extended walls serve to add a measure of strength and rigidity to the entire structure of the holster <b>200</b>.

0135<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref> show a right perspective view and a left perspective view, respectively, of a second exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>300</b> having a retention system according to the present disclosure. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref>, the handgun holster <b>300</b> includes an open top end <b>301</b> and a bottom end <b>302</b>. The handgun holster <b>300</b> further includes a body <b>303</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>305</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>307</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>309</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0136The body <b>303</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>310</b>, an aperture <b>316</b>, a recess <b>317</b>, an optional ridge <b>318</b> and/or ridge segments <b>318</b> and/or <b>319</b>, a second side wall <b>320</b>, a front wall <b>330</b>, and a rear wall <b>340</b>. The handgun holster <b>300</b> further comprises attachment points <b>370</b>, optional slots <b>384</b> and <b>382</b>, a passive retention screw <b>386</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>390</b>, and a retention means comprising a lever <b>350</b> having a finger button portion <b>351</b> and an engagement portion <b>355</b>. The lever <b>350</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>360</b>, to the first side wall <b>310</b>.

0137It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the body <b>103</b> and/or <b>203</b>, the at least partial cavity <b>105</b> and/or <b>205</b>, the first side wall <b>110</b> and/or <b>210</b>, the aperture <b>116</b> and/or <b>216</b>, the recess <b>117</b> and/or <b>217</b>, the optional ridge <b>118</b> and/or <b>218</b>, the optional ridge segments <b>118</b> and/or <b>119</b> and/or <b>218</b> and/or <b>219</b>, the second side wall <b>120</b> and/or <b>220</b>, the front wall <b>130</b> and/or <b>230</b>, the rear wall <b>140</b> and/or <b>240</b>, the pivot pin <b>160</b> and/or <b>260</b>, the attachment points <b>170</b> and/or <b>270</b>, the optional slots <b>180</b> and <b>182</b> and/or <b>280</b> and <b>282</b>, the passive retention screw <b>186</b> and/or <b>286</b>, the retention means, the optional biasing element <b>190</b> and/or <b>290</b> (not shown), and the lever <b>150</b> and/or <b>250</b> having the finger button portion <b>151</b> and/or <b>251</b> and the engagement portion <b>155</b> and/or <b>255</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-10B</figref>.

0138However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref>, the first side wall <b>310</b>, the second side wall <b>320</b>, and the front wall <b>330</b> of the handgun holster <b>300</b> are slightly different from the respective side walls and front wall of the handgun holsters <b>100</b> and <b>200</b>.

0139Additionally, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A and 11B</figref>, the optional ridge segments <b>319</b> extend from the finger button and <b>355</b> of the lever <b>350</b> to the top of the first side wall <b>310</b>. A trough <b>312</b> is formed between the ridge segments <b>319</b>, so as to further aid in the proper placement of a user's finger on the finger button portion <b>351</b> of the lever <b>350</b>. It should be should appreciate that the ridge segments <b>319</b> may include a textured portion (not shown), such that the ridge segments <b>319</b> may be distinguished tactilely from other portions of the holster <b>300</b> or the lever <b>350</b>.

0140<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-14</figref> show various views of a handgun holster <b>400</b> having a retention system that includes a lockout lever <b>491</b> and the various components the holster of the present disclosure. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-14</figref>, the handgun holster <b>400</b> includes an open top end <b>401</b> and a bottom end <b>402</b>. The handgun holster <b>400</b> further includes a body <b>403</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>405</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>407</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>409</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0141The body <b>403</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>410</b>, a trough <b>412</b>, an aperture <b>416</b>, a recess <b>417</b>, an optional ridge <b>418</b> and/or ridge segments <b>418</b> and/or <b>419</b>, a second side wall <b>420</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>430</b>, and a rear wall <b>440</b>. The handgun holster <b>400</b> further comprises attachment points <b>470</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>484</b> and <b>482</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>486</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>490</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>450</b> having a finger button portion <b>451</b> and an engagement portion <b>455</b>. The lever <b>450</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>460</b>, to the first side wall <b>410</b>.

0142It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>400</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-14</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11B</figref>. However, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-14</figref>, the first side wall <b>410</b>, the second side wall <b>420</b> (not shown), and the front wall <b>430</b> of the handgun holster <b>400</b> are slightly different from the respective side walls and front wall of the handgun holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>.

0143However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-14</figref>, a lockout lever <b>491</b> is pivotably attached, via a screw or pivot pin <b>498</b>, to the first side wall such that the lockout lever <b>491</b> is able to be rotated between a locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>) and an unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>).

0144As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>, the lockout lever <b>491</b> includes a finger engaging portion or ridge <b>492</b> that can be engaged or urged by a user's finger to pivot or rotate the lockout lever <b>491</b> between the locked and unlocked positions.

0145The lockout lever <b>491</b> includes a locking portion <b>493</b> that, when the lockout lever <b>491</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>), extends below the finger button portion <b>451</b> of the release lever <b>450</b> to block the finger button portion <b>451</b> of the release lever <b>450</b> and keep the release lever <b>450</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever <b>450</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position.

0146When the lockout lever <b>491</b> is in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>), the locking portion of the lockout lever <b>491</b> is withdrawn from beneath the finger button portion <b>451</b> of the release lever <b>450</b> so as to allow the finger button portion <b>451</b> of the release lever <b>450</b> to be pivoted to the disengaged position.

0147In certain exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever <b>491</b> is freely rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position. Alternatively, the lockout lever <b>491</b> may be frictionally maintained, by, for example, frictional engagement between the holster body <b>403</b> and the lockout lever <b>491</b>, in either the locked or the unlocked position unless a force is applied, i.e., by a user's finger, to slide the lockout lever <b>491</b> to the locked or unlocked position. In various exemplary embodiments, frictional engagement between the surfaces of the holster body <b>403</b> and the lockout lever <b>491</b> works to maintain the lockout lever <b>491</b> in a desired position.

0148In other exemplary embodiments, one or more mating protrusions <b>495</b> and/or detents <b>496</b> (as illustrated most clearly in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13B and 14</figref>), or other means may be provided to maintain the lockout lever <b>491</b> in the locked or unlocked position.

0149In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion <b>451</b> of the release lever <b>450</b> a sufficient distance to pivot the release lever <b>450</b> to the disengaged position, the lockout lever <b>491</b> must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>). If the lockout lever <b>491</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>), the locking portion <b>493</b> is positioned so as to contact a bottom surface of the finger button portion <b>451</b> and block the finger button portion <b>451</b> of the release lever <b>450</b> and keep the release lever <b>450</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position.

0150In various exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever <b>491</b> may include one or more lockout apertures (not shown). If included, the lockout apertures allow a lock or other device to be positioned within a portion of the locking portion to maintain the lockout lever <b>491</b> in the locked or unlocked position.

0151<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A and 15B</figref> show a right side view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>500</b> having a retention system according to the present disclosure. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16A</figref> shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the retention system of the retention system of the handgun holster <b>500</b>, showing the locking slider <b>591</b> in a locked position, while <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16B</figref> shows a more detailed, cross-sectional view of the retention system of the retention system of the handgun holster <b>500</b>, showing the locking slider <b>591</b> in an unlocked position.

0152As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A-17</figref>, the handgun holster <b>500</b> includes an open top end <b>501</b> and a bottom end <b>502</b>. The handgun holster <b>500</b> further includes a body <b>503</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>505</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>507</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>509</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0153The body <b>503</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>510</b>, a trough <b>512</b>, an aperture <b>516</b>, a recess <b>517</b>, an optional ridge <b>518</b> and/or ridge segments <b>518</b> and/or <b>519</b>, a second side wall <b>520</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>530</b>, and a rear wall <b>540</b>. The handgun holster <b>500</b> further comprises attachment points <b>570</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>584</b> and <b>582</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>586</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>590</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>550</b> having a finger button portion <b>551</b> and an engagement portion <b>555</b>. The lever <b>550</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>560</b>, to the first side wall <b>510</b>.

0154It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>500</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A-17</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>400</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-14</figref>.

0155However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A-17</figref>, a slot <b>597</b> is formed through a portion of the ridge <b>518</b> such that a body portion <b>596</b> of a locking slider <b>591</b> is capable of being slidably maintained within the slot <b>597</b>.

0156The body portion <b>596</b> of the locking slider <b>591</b> extends from a finger engaging portion <b>592</b> to a slide stop portion <b>594</b> and includes a notch <b>598</b> formed in a proportion of the locking slider body portion <b>596</b>. When slidably positioned within the slot <b>597</b>, the locking slider <b>591</b> is repeatably slidable between a locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A and 16A</figref>) and an unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15B and 16B</figref>). The finger engaging portion <b>592</b> and the slide stop portion <b>594</b> engage portions of the ridge <b>518</b> so as to maintain the locking slider <b>591</b> within the slot <b>597</b>.

0157The notch <b>598</b> is shaped so as to allow the engagement portion <b>555</b> of the lever <b>550</b> to pass therethrough when the locking slider <b>591</b> is in the unlocked position and the notch <b>598</b> is aligned with the engagement portion <b>555</b> (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15B and 16B</figref>). However, when the locking slider <b>591</b> is in the locked position, the body portion <b>596</b> is positioned so as to engage the engagement portion <b>555</b> of the lever <b>550</b> if an attempt is made to pivot the lever <b>550</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position and keep the lever <b>550</b> from pivoting to the disengaged position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A and 16A</figref>).

0158In certain exemplary embodiments, the locking slider <b>591</b> may freely slide between the locked position and the unlocked position. Alternatively, the locking slider <b>591</b> may be naturally maintained either the locked or the unlocked position within the slot <b>597</b> unless a force is applied, i.e., by a user's finger, to slide the locking slider <b>591</b> to the locked or unlocked position. In various exemplary embodiments, frictional engagement between the surfaces of the slot <b>597</b> and the locking slider <b>591</b> work to maintain the locking slider and a desired position. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more mating protrusions and/or detents or other means may be provided to maintain the locking slider and the locked or unlocked position.

0159In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion <b>551</b> of the lever <b>550</b> of the holster <b>500</b> a sufficient distance to pivot the lever <b>550</b> to the disengaged position, the locking slider <b>591</b> must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15A and 16A</figref>). If the locking slider <b>591</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15B and 16B</figref>), the body portion <b>596</b> is positioned so as to engage the engagement portion <b>555</b> of the lever <b>550</b> and keep the lever <b>550</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position.

0160In various exemplary embodiments, the locking slider <b>591</b> may include one or more lockout apertures <b>593</b> and/or <b>595</b>. If included, the lockout apertures <b>593</b> and/or <b>595</b> allow a lock or other device to be positioned within a portion of the body portion <b>596</b> to maintain the locking slider <b>591</b> in the locked or unlocked position.

0161<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows handgun holster having a retention system and a locking slider <b>591</b>, wherein the locking slider <b>591</b> is in a locked position according to the present disclosure.

0162<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A and 18B</figref> show an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>600</b> having a retention system according to the present disclosure. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref> shows the lockout lever <b>691</b> in a locked position, while <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref> shows the lockout lever <b>691</b> in an unlocked position.

0163As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A and 18B</figref>, the handgun holster <b>600</b> includes an open top end <b>601</b> and a bottom end <b>602</b>. The handgun holster <b>600</b> further includes a body <b>603</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>605</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>607</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>609</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0164The body <b>603</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>610</b>, a trough <b>612</b>, an aperture <b>616</b>, a recess <b>617</b>, an optional ridge <b>618</b> and/or ridge segments <b>618</b> and/or <b>619</b>, a second side wall <b>620</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>630</b>, and a rear wall <b>640</b>. The handgun holster <b>600</b> further comprises attachment points <b>670</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>684</b> and <b>682</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>686</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>690</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>650</b> having a finger button portion <b>651</b> and an engagement portion <b>655</b>. The lever <b>650</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>660</b>, to the first side wall <b>610</b>.

0165It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>600</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A and 18B</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11B</figref>.

0166However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18A and 18B</figref>, a surface hollow or concavity <b>614</b> is formed within a portion of the ridge segment <b>619</b> of the side wall <b>610</b> such that a lockout lever <b>691</b> is rotatably attached within a portion of the hollow <b>614</b>. The hollow <b>614</b> is formed such that a locking portion <b>693</b> of a lockout lever <b>691</b> is capable of being rotatably maintained within the hollow <b>614</b>.

0167In various exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever <b>691</b> includes at least one key slot <b>698</b> that is capable of interacting with one or more mating portions of a key <b>699</b>, such that rotation of the lockout lever <b>691</b> can be accomplished by interaction of the one or more mating portions of the key <b>699</b> and the at least one key slot <b>698</b>. Thus, through the interaction of a key <b>699</b> and key slots <b>698</b> of the lockout lever <b>691</b>, the lockout lever <b>691</b> can be rotated between a locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref>) and an unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref>).

0168Alternatively, the lockout lever <b>691</b> may include certain surface features of preparations that allow the lockout lever <b>691</b> to be rotated between the locked position and the unlocked position without use of the key <b>699</b>.

0169The lockout lever <b>691</b> includes a locking portion <b>693</b> that, when the lockout lever <b>691</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref>), extends below the finger button portion <b>651</b> of the release lever <b>650</b> to block the finger button portion <b>651</b> of the release lever <b>650</b> and keep the release lever <b>650</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever <b>650</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position.

0170When the lockout lever <b>691</b> is in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref>), the locking portion of the lockout lever <b>691</b> is withdrawn from beneath the finger button portion <b>651</b> of the release lever <b>650</b> so as to allow the finger button portion <b>651</b> of the release lever <b>650</b> to be pivoted to the disengaged position.

0171In certain exemplary embodiments, the lockout lever <b>691</b> is freely rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position. Alternatively, the lockout lever <b>691</b> may be frictionally maintained, by, for example, frictional engagement between the holster body <b>603</b> and the lockout lever <b>691</b>, in either the locked or the unlocked position unless a sufficient force is applied, i.e., by the key <b>699</b>, to rotate the lockout lever <b>691</b> to the locked or unlocked position.

0172In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion <b>651</b> of the release lever <b>650</b> a sufficient distance to pivot the release lever <b>650</b> to the disengaged position, the lockout lever <b>691</b> must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref>). If the lockout lever <b>691</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref>), the locking portion <b>693</b> is positioned so as to contact a bottom surface of the finger button portion <b>651</b> and block the finger button portion <b>651</b> of the release lever <b>650</b> and keep the release lever <b>650</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position.

0173<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>700</b> having a retention system with a lockout element <b>799</b> in a retention system lockout position. In various exemplary embodiments, the lockout element <b>799</b> includes an elongate lockout portion <b>799</b>′ forming a pin, shank, stem, or shaft. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the elongate lockout portion <b>799</b>′ extends from a head or bow <b>799</b>″. As illustrated, the elongate lockout portion <b>799</b>′ has a substantially consistent width or cross-sectional diameter along its entire length. However, the elongate lockout portion <b>799</b>′ may optionally include a shoulder or shoulder portion, which can limit the degree to which the elongate lockout portion can extend into the holster <b>700</b>. If desired, the lockout element <b>799</b> may be formed in the general shape of a key having an optional shoulder and an elongate shaft.

0174As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the handgun holster <b>700</b> includes an open top end <b>701</b> and a bottom end <b>702</b>. The handgun holster <b>700</b> further includes a body <b>703</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>705</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>707</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>709</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0175The body <b>703</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>710</b>, a trough <b>712</b>, an aperture <b>716</b>, a recess <b>717</b>, an optional ridge <b>718</b> and/or ridge segments <b>718</b> and/or <b>719</b>, a second side wall <b>720</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>730</b>, and a rear wall <b>740</b>. The handgun holster <b>700</b> further comprises attachment points <b>770</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>784</b> and <b>782</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>786</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>790</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>750</b> having a finger button portion <b>751</b> and an engagement portion <b>755</b>. The lever <b>750</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>760</b>, to the first side wall <b>710</b>.

0176It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>700</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11B</figref>.

0177However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, two aligned lockout element apertures <b>718</b>′ are formed within a portion of the ridge <b>718</b> such that a portion of a lockout element <b>799</b> may be positioned within the aligned apertures.

0178When the lockout element <b>799</b> is in the retention system lockout position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), a portion of the body of the lockout element <b>799</b> extends, between the aligned apertures, above the engagement portion <b>755</b> of the release lever <b>750</b> to block the engagement portion <b>755</b> of the release lever <b>750</b> and keep the release lever <b>750</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever <b>750</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position.

0179<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>800</b> having a retention system with a lockout element <b>899</b> in a retention system lockout position. In various exemplary embodiments, the lockout element <b>899</b> includes an elongate lockout portion <b>899</b>′ forming a pin, shank, stem, or shaft. In certain exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the elongate lockout portion <b>899</b>′ extends from a head or bow <b>899</b>″. As illustrated, the elongate lockout portion <b>899</b>′ has a substantially consistent width or cross-sectional diameter along its entire length. However, the elongate lockout portion <b>899</b>′ may optionally include a shoulder or shoulder portion, which can limit the degree to which the elongate lockout portion can extend into the holster <b>800</b>. If desired, the lockout element <b>899</b> may be formed in the general shape of a key having an optional shoulder and an elongate shaft.

0180As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the handgun holster <b>800</b> includes an open top end <b>801</b> and a bottom end <b>802</b>. The handgun holster <b>800</b> further includes a body <b>803</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>805</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>807</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>809</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0181The body <b>803</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>810</b>, a trough <b>812</b>, an aperture <b>816</b>, a recess <b>817</b>, an optional ridge <b>818</b> and/or ridge segments <b>818</b> and/or <b>819</b>, a second side wall <b>820</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>830</b>, and a rear wall <b>840</b>. The handgun holster <b>800</b> further comprises attachment points <b>870</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>884</b> and <b>882</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>886</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>890</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>850</b> having a finger button portion <b>851</b> and an engagement portion <b>855</b>. The lever <b>850</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>860</b>, to the first side wall <b>810</b>.

0182It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>800</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11B</figref>.

0183However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, a lockout element aperture <b>819</b>′ is formed within a portion of the ridge segment <b>819</b> such that at least a portion of a lockout element <b>899</b> may be positioned within the aperture.

0184When the lockout element <b>899</b> is in the retention system lockout position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>), a portion of the body of the lockout element <b>899</b> extends, between the aperture and the body <b>803</b>, below the finger button portion <b>851</b> of the release lever <b>850</b> to block the finger button portion <b>851</b> of the release lever <b>850</b> and keep the release lever <b>850</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever <b>850</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position.

0185<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-23</figref> show an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>900</b> having a retention system with a lockout band <b>991</b> in a retention system lockout position.

0186As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-23</figref>, the handgun holster <b>900</b> includes an open top end <b>901</b> and a bottom end <b>902</b>. The handgun holster <b>900</b> further includes a body <b>903</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>905</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>907</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>909</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0187The body <b>903</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>910</b>, a trough <b>912</b>, an aperture <b>916</b>, a recess <b>917</b>, an optional ridge <b>918</b> and/or ridge segments <b>918</b> and/or <b>919</b>, a second side wall <b>920</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>930</b>, and a rear wall <b>940</b>. The handgun holster <b>900</b> further comprises attachment points <b>970</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>984</b> and <b>982</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>986</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>990</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>950</b> having a finger button portion <b>951</b> and an engagement portion <b>955</b>. The lever <b>950</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>960</b>, to the first side wall <b>910</b>.

0188It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>900</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-23</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11B</figref>.

0189However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-23</figref>, lockout element aperture <b>919</b>′ is formed within a portion of the ridge segment <b>919</b> such that at least a lockout element portion <b>992</b> of a lockout band <b>991</b> may be positioned within the aperture. A lockout band aperture <b>922</b> is formed within the portion of a ridge segment <b>921</b> such that a portion of the lockout band <b>991</b> may be positioned within the lockout band aperture <b>922</b>. When portions of the lockout band <b>991</b> are positioned within the lockout element aperture <b>919</b>′ and the lockout band aperture <b>922</b>, the lockout band <b>991</b> is in the retention system lockout position.

0190When the lockout band <b>991</b> is in the retention system lockout position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21-23</figref>), a portion of the body of the lockout band <b>991</b> extends, between the aperture and the body <b>903</b>, below the finger button portion <b>951</b> of the release lever <b>950</b> to block the finger button portion <b>951</b> of the release lever <b>950</b> and keep the release lever <b>950</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever <b>950</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position.

0191<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24A and 24B</figref> show an exemplary embodiment of a handgun holster <b>1000</b> having a retention system according to the present disclosure. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref> shows a rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> in a locked position, while <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref> shows the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> in an unlocked position.

0192As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24A and 24B</figref>, the handgun holster <b>1000</b> includes an open top end <b>1001</b> and a bottom end <b>1002</b>. The handgun holster <b>1000</b> further includes a body <b>1003</b> defining an at least partial cavity <b>1005</b> (having a trigger guard portion <b>1007</b> and a frame/slide portion <b>1009</b>) for receiving and holding the handgun.

0193The body <b>1003</b> comprises a pair of opposed side walls comprising a first side wall <b>1010</b>, a trough <b>1012</b>, an aperture <b>1016</b>, a recess <b>1017</b>, an optional ridge <b>1018</b> and/or ridge segments <b>1018</b> and/or <b>1019</b>, a second side wall <b>1020</b> (not shown), a front wall <b>1030</b>, and a rear wall <b>1040</b>. The handgun holster <b>1000</b> further comprises attachment points <b>1070</b> (not shown), optional slots <b>1084</b> and <b>1082</b> (not shown), a passive retention screw <b>1086</b>, optionally the biasing element <b>1090</b> (not shown), and a retention means comprising a lever <b>1050</b> having a finger button portion <b>1051</b> and an engagement portion <b>1055</b>. The lever <b>1050</b> is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin <b>1060</b>, to the first side wall <b>1010</b>.

0194It should be understood that each of these elements of the holster <b>1000</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24A and 24B</figref> correspond to and operate similarly to the elements of holsters <b>100</b>-<b>300</b>, as described above with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11B</figref>.

0195However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24A and 24B</figref>, an at least partial cavity is formed within a portion of the ridge <b>1018</b> such that a rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is pivotably attached within a portion of the side wall <b>1010</b>. The at least partial cavity is formed such that a locking portion <b>1093</b> of a rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is capable of being maintained within the at least partial cavity.

0196In various exemplary embodiments, a slot <b>1097</b> is formed through a portion of the ridge <b>1018</b> such that a body portion <b>1096</b> of the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is capable of being slidably maintained within the slot <b>1097</b>. In these exemplary embodiments, through the interaction of a key and the slot <b>1097</b>, the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is able to be rotated between a locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref>) and an unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref>).

0197The rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> comprises an elongate lever having a locking portion <b>1093</b> that, when the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref>), extends above the engagement portion <b>1055</b> of the release lever <b>1050</b> to block the engagement portion <b>1055</b> of the release lever <b>1050</b> and keep the release lever <b>1050</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position, if an attempt is made to pivot the release lever <b>1050</b> from the engaged to the disengaged position.

0198When the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref>), the locking portion <b>1093</b> of the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is withdrawn from above the engagement portion <b>1055</b> of the release lever <b>1050</b> so as to allow the engagement portion <b>1055</b> of the release lever <b>1050</b> to be pivoted to the disengaged position.

0199In order for a user to depresses the finger button portion <b>1051</b> of the release lever <b>1050</b> a sufficient distance to pivot the release lever <b>1050</b> to the disengaged position, the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> must be in the unlocked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref>). If the rotatable lockout element <b>1091</b> is in the locked position (as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref>), the locking portion <b>1093</b> is positioned so as to contact a top surface of the engagement portion <b>1055</b> and block the engagement portion <b>1055</b> of the release lever <b>1050</b> and keep the release lever <b>1050</b> from being pivoted to the disengaged position.

0200While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and the fundamental disclosure should not be considered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular variation set forth and many alternatives, adaptations modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

0201Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the present disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and is also encompassed within the present disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the present disclosure.

0202It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

0203In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.

0204Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments will reveal the general nature of the present disclosure, such that others may, by applying current knowledge, change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limiting embodiments for various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and elements or methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practicing the present disclosure. Any and all such changes, variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

0205Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it is contemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singular elements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in the text or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a “negative” claim limitation(s).